I love artful alliteration alluringly arrayed! But I digress. Back to the point.
Technology, generational expectations, and a weak business climate have come together to create a new employment dynamic. And it’s one that businesses should take advantage of.
Technology has untethered our minds from the confines of an office building. Now we can contribute our brain power remotely, with positive and timely impact on an amazing range of business ventures and adventures.
Societal expectations and the weak business economy have changed the employment scene. Today, executives who otherwise would be corporately employed are now in the market and offering their expertise for “rent.” They understand that companies have new options for knowledge resources. And outsourcing “skill needs” has become commonplace. They accept the likelihood they now need to make a living without a single corporate employer anymore.
People newer to the workforce were weaned on i-everythings, and take mobile computing for granted. They’ve grown up in a collaborative thought, emotion and idea-sharing environment previously unsupportable. Generationally speaking, they also place life balance ahead of work tunnel vision. It’s perfectly natural to them to make their living without showing up at an office.
A new mantra exists – “Rent knowledge. Don’t hire it.”
Today’s business executives and owners have more knowledge-based options and resources at their fingertips than ever before. Just look at all the brainpower floating around the marketplace! Bajillions of people have expertise in most any area you can dream of. Skills and insight that could help your business blossom or solve a thorny issue.
I suggest this opportunity is more than “outsourcing.”
For me, I prefer “Mobile Mental Mercantile Marketplace.”
Individuals (and firms) can put out their shingle and offer their brainpower on an as-needed basis to whomever is willing to pay their price.
Businesses can now “go shopping” for as little or as much knowledge as they need and only when they need it. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of brilliance!
BUT – here’s why I say it’s more than traditional outsourcing applied to intellect. Business people still have a natural tendency to say, “But they don’t know my business.” Or worse yet, “I don’t have time to do it. I’m too busy with all these problems and deadlines and my daily work. I can’t possibly look at someone new right now.” Ugh. The short-sightedness.
Overcome your fears, businesspeople! Strike out to new territory! Talent, skills, work ethic, insight, and experience are transferrable. It’s comparatively easy to train-up a consultant in your industry specifics. Don’t let their new-ness to your field stop you from expanding your intellectual resource pool. Realize that cross-pollinating ideas from those with different backgrounds is good for your company. It helps your business think differently and expand in ways otherwise unexplored.
Step forward! Rent yourself a bit of brilliance!